Copa Libertadores: Grêmio coach Luxemburgo does not blame new signings for defeat

Grêmio coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has refused to blame the introduction of three new players into his team for their 2-1 defeat to Huachipato on Wednesday night.

Luxemburgo started the game with Adriano, in place of Fernando, André Santos and Hérnan Barcos, all of whom were signed last week. But the coach refused to use this as an excuse for the defeat.

He said: “I thought the team was very light, without understanding of the competition. They had two guys stuck in the middle of their defence, which was closed. It was normal, I do not see Adriano, André and Barcos responsible.

“We hire players and that will fit, I have no doubt. We lost the game, we can still reach fifteen points. It will not be easy, it will be a painful classification.”

Adriano, who signed from Santos last week, was picked ahead of Fernando for the game and the home fans let the coach know that they disagreed with his decision.

“It is normal. Football is not an exact science. They only speak of Grêmio in Brazil. We look good on paper, but the team has yet to show anything. Everyone speaks highly of the new signings, but they have not started playing.

“The player [Adriano] has already played Libertadores, the guy [Fernando] is coming up, and our team was light on experience. The thinking was that he would get the ball back and forward. Of course I'm upset, but I understand that this is a moment that we are living.

“Of course it disturbs. But I evaluated what was best and put them to play in front of the crowd. I've got six games, they were hired to play.”